Question
Hello Kenneth,
Thanks for your time.

I'm going to grade a small portion of my backyard where some 'larger' tree roots have been exposed due to erosion.

I've already redirected the gutter outflows. (which I'm certain was the problem)

I plan to grade a 'slope' of 12 inches to near 'level' using a retaining wall and some fill dirt.

MY QUESTION 1, does it matter that I kill the grass which is to be covered with up to 12 inches of fill dirt?

MY QUESTION 2, Is it worth attempting to relocate grassy patches (in the fill dirt location) to other areas of the yard in need of grass? -Or is it just as easy to seed next month.

I very much appreciate your help in this matter, Kenneth.
Sincerely, Tom
Greenville, SC.

Answer
If the grass is in a good condition, you can cut it into small squares and relocate it, or you can rent a sod cutter and cut the sod pieces into lanes which can then be rolled up and transferred (dont try to transfer longer pieces than 3-4 feet lengths. cut them to fit). Try to get as much dirt as you can (set the cutting dept deep). When you replace the sod pieces, water frequently for the first 7-10 days until rooted.

You can cover the grass, too, if you prefer. more than a few inches and the grass wont grow through.

Reseeding bermuda (if this is what you are using) is just about the end of the season for you. You risk having a very mature lawn going into winter. If you are reseeding with fescue, then timing is just right.

My person opinion is that grass which is growing nicely should be relocated (why destroy it?).

When you do your final grade, make sure that the lawn has a grade (slope) down away from buildings. a flat lawn will have standing puddles of water, or water may decide to run towards the house. A 1" drop per 10 feet is just fine.

e.g. if you have a lawn which slopes 12", you may still want it to slope a few inches downwards, but away from houses.

If you have problem that water have nowhere to go, you may have to dig a make-shift well. Dig a large deep hole (LARGE - DEEP) and fill it with rocks.. the larger the better. Then cover with landscape fabric and add several inches of rocks or pepples. Wrap the fabric well around the large and small pepples to avoid sand/soil getting in there. Backfill with soil but make sure the area is lower than the rest of the lawn. Slope the lawn to it all drains to this spot.

This is the only way I know that you can solve drainage problems. Just creating a 'level' lawn is not going to solve a problem. All you risk is that puddles form in the middle of the lawn or run towards buildings.